BINTULU: A key plan in the pipeline for the Samalaju Industrial Port is its transformation into a digital and sustainable hub to boost the state’s economy.
Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) chairman Datuk Abdul Mutalib Alias said this will subsequently contribute towards realising the state’s vision of building a digital economy and powerhouse for renewable energy.
“We will also be working together with the Sarawak government in achieving its goal towards a high-income economy by 2030 and ensuring that all development is done responsibly and sustainably.
“We look forward to future collaboration on enhancing our renewable energy capacities, as well as proactively participating in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) to accelerate the state’s economy in particular and Malaysia as a whole,” he said in his speech at the Samalaju Industrial Port 10th anniversary dinner at a hotel here yesterday (Jan 30).
Abdul Mutalib said the port has served almost seven million tonnes of cargo throughout and more than 300 vessels in 2022 which signifies a remarkable 26 per cent growth compared to the previous year.
“The commendable growth is attributed to the economic recovery of the global trade fuelled by the ramping up of production by the customers.
“As of now, we are serving seven customers, with the designed berth capacity of 18 million tonnes per annum. Out of 365 hectares of land, we have utilised 44 per cent of our land while still having vast land banks for future port expansion and development.
“In December 2021, another important milestone was achieved where the port commenced its first container operations to support the industries within the Samalaju Industrial Park and its hinterland thereby connecting the port directly to the intra-Asia container shipping routes,” he added.
He reiterated the port’s commitment to playing their role in supporting the aspiration of the state government to achieve a high-income economy status by 2030.
“We strongly believe that the port will continue to grow in the future, as we embark on bigger developments to provide better capacities and services to our current and potential customers,” said Abdul Mutalib.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to officiate at the event and witness the exchange of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) documents between Samalaju Industrial Port and Sarawak Development Economic Corporation (SDEC), OCIKumho Sdn Bhd and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA).
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nassar, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development II Datuk Majang Renggi and BPHB group chief executive officer Datuk Medan Abdullah.
